HMS Shoreham sets sail from Faslane for Gulf deployment

HMS Shoreham left her home port of Faslane to embark on a 6,000 mile journey to the Gulf.

In support of wider British efforts in the region, minehunters are providing the capability to conduct route survey, sea-bed clearance, and mine clearance operations all over the Gulf.

The operation, say the Royal Navy, also aims to provide a visible naval presence in a region where “stability and good relations with local nations is vital”. Much of the UK’s oil and gas, as well as other products, come from the Gulf region and as such these efforts are of vital importance to the UK economy.

“I am immensely proud of my crew, who have worked hard this year to ensure the Royal Navy’s mine counter measures capability remains first class,” said Lieutenant Commander Adrian Visram, Commanding Officer of HMS Shoreham.

“We are looking forward to putting our training into action during our Gulf deployment, carrying out seabed surveys and working as part of an international force helping to keep the region’s sea lanes safe.”

According to the Royal Navy, during the deployment HMS Shoreham will meet with Portsmouth mine hunter HMS Brocklesby and work closely with the US Navy Fifth Fleet as part of the 30 nation Combined Maritime Forces and Gulf Cooperation Council.

In preparation for the mission, the crew has recently completed a gruelling five-week Operational Sea Training (OST) package as well as participating in major multi-national exercise Joint Warrior in April.